Musical tribute to Bhupen Hazarika

On December 27, renowned names from the music fraternity will come together to pay homage to Bhupen Hazarika, who passed away on November 5 this year. The 85-year-old legendary musician had suffered multiple organ failure at a Mumbai hospital.

The commemoration, organised by Hazarika’s companion filmmaker Kalpana Lajmi, will be held at the lawn of her residence at Lokhandwala on December 27. Noted singer Lata Mangeshkar, along with sisters Asha and Usha, flautist Hariprasad Chaurasia, composers Bappi Lahiri, Himesh Reshammiya and Pritam Chakraborty will be some of the attendees.

“It will be a tribute to Bhupen Hazarika through music. He is not only loved by all for his music, but also for being a great human being,” says Lajmi. Chief Minister of Assam Tarun Gogoi and Maharashtra CM Prithviraj Chavan are also expected at the memorial.

An award-winning musical genius from Assam, Hazarika had contributed to the Indian film industry for 72 years as a singer and composer. He had also directed Assamese films like Era Bator Sur (1956), Mahut Bandhu Re (1958), Mon-Prajapati (1979) and Swikarokti(1986). Known for singing compositions in 18 languages including Bengali, Hindi, Oriya and Assamese, he is also remembered for his signature tunes for films like Devdas (1979), Rudaali (1993) and Gaja Gamini (2000).

The memorial will witness musicians dedicating songs to the bard. “We don’t want the music fraternity to mourn, but to feel proud of the huge contribution by Bhupen Hazarika,” says Lajmi. Adds Pritam, “Bhupen da will always be in our heart. And it is only through music that we can flourish his soul. I have asked my musician friends to join me on his special day because music is the only medium to feel the eternal soul of Bhupen da. That day, we are going to salute the true legend all together.”